I don’t know even where to start. Jill is one of my dear ones. We have walked through so many things together. Ridiculous silly laughter and really deep mourning and pain. She is one of my favorites. She is my family. And holy cow she is beautiful. Her wedding was at her family’s home in Rockford Illinois. Both of her parents are gone, but the home that they designed, built and raised their family in remains. It was decorated with brightly colored circle garlands, glowing lanterns and all kinds of DIY projects that Jill’s mom would love. Their family and friends came through for them. They arrived to help this homemade family affair be all that Jill dreamed it to be. And it was. Any decor, flower arrangement or detail you see…. they are ALL homemade. Every last one. More on that later.
Jill’s day started with her girls gathered around her in the hotel room, praying, crying, remembering and celebrating beyond any words we could find. Les and Eric started with lots of laughter and anxiousness to see the beautiful bride. Les, you have an amazing woman, and what I love most about you is that you know that. I can see it all over your face.
I did what I don’t recommend any photographer to ever do and that is to be both the photographer and bridesmaid!! Aaaack! I just couldn’t hand her and Les over to anyone else. It was a gift for both Eric and I to not only be a part of their lives on a daily basis but to capture the day they became husband and wife. Eric shot amazingness all day long and we brought in our good photographer friend Janet from oijoyphoto to help.
It was the most beautiful wedding I’ve been to in a long long time. The homemade family affair, the dear friends that gave so much , the crazy beautiful details and last but not last… two people that love each other enough to commit their lifetime to one another and to top it off… it was my Jill.
Ok. Have to stop writing even though my heart is full or I”ll be a puddle of goo here at my computer with tissues and puffy eyes to match.
I love this pic of us.
Waiting to see his bride.
Les and Jill much to my delight wanted to see each other before hand. We had a relaxed 45 min. of photos and just letting Les and Jill be together.
Jill walking to a waiting Les.
Jill. You are ridiculously beautiful.
More tomorrow with cornfields, the family home, ceremony and the fabulous reception!
Had a lovely time celebrating the beautiful Emily and Paul this past weekend. The wedding took place on a quaint inn on a river. Here is one frame with more to come in the next few days! Can’t hide happiness!
Jenna and Nick have been dear friends of ours for years. It is always a special privilege to get those you love in front of the lens and capture the love and warmth they are giving to the world. We are so delighted to be living near these two again and are looking forward to many new … Continue reading
To celebrate our 2,000 mile move , we are having a moving sale! And not just any moving sale but 20% off of all wedding packages for those within 120 miles of San Francisco! Spread the word! It is first come, first serve and need to book by May 15! Email jessie@simplyjessie.com for all the … Continue reading
Kristine and Nathan’s day was an amazing Spring day in the Midwest The trees were full of colorful blossoms, warm temperatures and the leaves were the brilliant green of new life. Thank you to Jaclyn Simpson for being my wingman!
Forgive the silence of the last few weeks. It is hard to describe in words what these days have been…. a journey is the best way to describe this process. So many things have happened , our feet have been in so many places, our eyes taking in gorgeous landscapes and the expanse of our beautiful country. … Continue reading
As this blog posts, Eric and I have loaded up our small car with our gear computers, two cats and 2 weeks of clothing. We have turned our car and hearts West. We are ready to document this new adventure armed with rolls of film, field cameras, medium format and digital cameras as well. As I … Continue reading
chills….that says it all!
i’m totally crying at an internet site in st. lucia…. “thank you” is definitely too small, jessie dear. i am in awe. thank you so much for capturing our beautiful day! i cannot wait to see more. i got myself back to a computer today just to see if you had posted!!
love love love to you,
jkww
[...] More from Les and Jill’s wedding! Missed Part 1? Click here. [...]
Like pancakes and syrup. I’m just saying.
I LOVE her dress–gorgeous photos, Jessie! Even with your dual roles you outdid yourself!
Love them!! Please post more!!
What amazing shots- and I love reading your perspective Jessie. I was so happy to celebrate that day. Looking at the pictures my eyes fill with tears of joy!
that dress, those peonies–just in love with this wedding!
[...] to work with. Click here to our feature ! Did you miss Jill + Les Married on our blog? Click here to see Part 1 and here for Part [...]